System for communicating event and location information

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for initiating and handling an emergency IP request using an IP enabled device having GPS capability. The IP enabled device is monitored for one or more emergency criteria. If the emergency criteria are satisfied, global positioning data is obtained using the GPS capability and the emergency IP request is sent to an address server. The address server receives the emergency IP request, obtains local emergency services data based on the global positioning data, dials a call center station based on the local emergency services data and passes an emergency call from the IP enabled device to the call center station. This invention can be implemented as a computer program embedded in a computer readable medium wherein the steps are performed by one or more code segments.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present patent application is a continuation of patent applicationSer. No. 14/994,894, filed Jan. 13, 2016, entitled INTERNET PROTOCOLBASED 911 SYSTEM, which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.11/488,271, filed Jul. 18, 2006, entitled INTERNET PROTOCOL BASED 911SYSTEM, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,282,187 on Mar. 8, 2016, which claimspriority from patent application Ser. No. 60/701,274, filed Jul. 21,2005, entitled INTERNET PROTOCOL BASED 911 SYSTEM, the entire contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein. Patent application Ser.No. 11/488,271 is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority frompatent application Ser. No. 11/142,722, filed Jun. 1, 2005, entitledINTERNET PROTOCOL BASED 911 SYSTEM, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,394,423 onJul. 1, 2008, and is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority frompatent application Ser. No. 11/142,723, filed Jun. 1, 2005, entitledINTERNET PROTOCOL BASED 911 SYSTEM, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,532,157 onMay 12, 2009. Patent application Ser. Nos. 11/142,722, and 11/142,723are continuations of patent application Ser. No. 10/690,346, filed Oct.21, 2003, entitled INTERNET PROTOCOL BASED 911 SYSTEM, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 6,927,727 on Aug. 9, 2005, which claims priority of provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/441,632, filed on Jan. 21, 2003, entitledINTERNET PROTOCOL BASED 911 SYSTEM, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of communicationsand, more particularly, to an Internet Protocol based 911 system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many systems for providing 911 services to cellular phones.But these systems are not designed to work in Internet Protocol (“IP”)or voice over IP (“VoIP”) systems. These systems do not have no way tomatch a location or address to an IP address because an IP address doesnot have a physical address or telephone number associated with it.Accordingly, there is a need for an IP based 911.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides software applications that communicatewith Global Positioning Systems (“GPS”) hardware embedded in InternetProtocol (“IP”) enabled equipment such that when the equipment is usedto access emergency services by entering 911 or pressing an emergencyactivation button, the software provides the means to determine thelocation of the calling equipment to the respective emergency servicecenter appropriate to the location of the emergency. More specifically,the software monitors the voice over IP (“VoIP”) software installed onthe IP enabled equipment. When 911 is entered, the software acquires thevertical and horizontal coordinates (“V&H”) from the GPS hardware,overrides the installed VoIP software to send a Session InitiationProtocol (“SIP”) request to an address server which is also monitoringthe Internet for these specific sessions. The address server accepts theSIP from the originating hardware, receives the V&H and accesses adatabase that cross references emergency services direct dial numberswith the V&H. The address server passes the voice call and the availabledirect dial numbers to a call center that handles emergency voiceinterface with the person who entered 911 at the originating equipment.The call center operator chooses which emergency service to dial afterspeaking with the person who has the emergency, or defaults to the firerescue number.

The present invention is applicable to both wireline and IP telephonysystems, such as laptop computers, PDAs, etc. The present invention doesnot rely on a set IP address, so that it will work on virtual networksand with transactional IP addresses. GPS coordinates are crossreferenced to the closest physical emergency services. For example, thesystem may provide four numbers or more number to the operator (police,fire, poison control, emergency medical services, rescue, etc.). Theoperator selects the appropriate number and routes the call via PSTN ordirectly to the IP address. Note that this invention does not requiredfixed equipment and is primarily designed for stationary or portablevoice or IP enabled devices rather than mobile phones. The presentinvention completes the IP telephony service.

The present invention provides a method for initiating an emergency IPrequest using an IP enabled device having GPS capability. The methodincludes monitoring the IP enabled device for one or more emergencycriteria, and obtaining global positioning data using the GPS capabilityand sending the emergency IP request whenever the one or more emergencycriteria are satisfied. This method can be implemented as a computerprogram embedded in a computer readable medium wherein the steps areperformed by one or more code segments.

The present invention also provides a method for handling an emergencyIP request from an IP enabled device having GPS capability. The methodincludes receiving the emergency IP request containing globalpositioning data for the IP enabled device, obtaining local emergencyservices data based on the global positioning data, dialing a callcenter station based on the local emergency services data and passing anemergency call from the IP enabled device to the call center station.This method can be implemented as a computer program embedded in acomputer readable medium wherein the steps are performed by one or morecode segments.

In addition, the present invention provides an apparatus having an IPenabled device, a GPS component within the IP enabled device and anemergency IP component within the IP enabled device. The emergency IPcomponent monitors the IP enabled device for one or more emergencycriteria, and obtains global positioning data from the GPS component andsends the emergency IP request whenever the one or more emergencycriteria are satisfied.

Moreover, the present invention provides a system having an addressserver and a database communicably coupled to the address server. Theaddress server receives an emergency IP request containing globalpositioning data for an IP enabled device, obtains local emergencyservices data based on the global positioning data and providesemergency information to one or more emergency services based on thelocal emergency services data.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art upon reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an IP based 911 system in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the 911 software process inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the address server process inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a second IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a third IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a fourth IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a fifth IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a sixth IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a seventh IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts an eighth IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a ninth IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 depicts a tenth IP based 911 system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts thatcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention.

The present invention provides software applications that communicatewith Global Positioning Systems (“GPS”) hardware embedded in InternetProtocol (“IP”) enabled equipment such that when the equipment is usedto access emergency services by entering 911 or pressing an emergencyactivation button, the software provides the means to determine thelocation of the calling equipment to the respective emergency servicecenter appropriate to the location of the emergency. More specifically,the software monitors the voice over IP (“VoIP”) software installed onthe IP enabled equipment. When 911 is entered, the software acquires thevertical and horizontal coordinates (“V&H”) from the GPS hardware,overrides the installed VoIP software to send a Session InitiationProtocol (“SIP”) request to an address server which is also monitoringthe Internet for these specific sessions. The address server accepts theSIP from the originating hardware, receives the V&H and accesses adatabase that cross references emergency services direct dial numberswith the V&H. The address server passes the voice call and the availabledirect dial numbers to a call center that handles emergency voiceinterface with the person who entered 911 at the originating equipment.The call center operator chooses which emergency service to dial afterspeaking with the person who has the emergency, or defaults to the firerescue number.

The present invention is applicable to both wireline and IP telephonysystems, such as laptop computers, PDAs, etc. The present invention doesnot rely on a set IP address, so that it will work on virtual networksand with transactional IP addresses. GPS coordinates are crossreferenced to the closest physical emergency services. For example, thesystem may provide four numbers or more number to the operator (police,fire, poison control, emergency medical services, rescue, etc.). Theoperator selects the appropriate number and routes the call via PSTN ordirectly to the IP address. Note that this invention does not requiredfixed equipment and is primarily designed for stationary or portablevoice or IP enabled devices rather than mobile phones. The presentinvention completes the IP telephony service.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an IP based 911 system 100 is depicted inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system 100includes one or more IP enabled devices 102, 104, 106 and 108, anaddress server 110, a database 112 and one or more call center stations114. The IP enabled devices can be a PCMCIA card 102, PCI card 104, IPPhone 106 or other IP enabled device 108 (e.g., a personal dataassistant, computer, etc.) all of which are equipped with GPS capability(a GPS component or hardware). In addition, the IP enabled devices 102,104, 106 or 108 may be part of or attached to another device, such as acomputer. Each IP enabled device 102, 104, 106 and 108 is also equippedwith an instance of 911 IP software 116, which is also referred to as anemergency IP component. The IP enabled devices 102, 104, 106 and 108 arecommunicably coupled to the address server 110 via the devices' standardconnection to a wide area network, such as the Internet. The addressserver 110 is communicably coupled to the database 112 via a directconnection, local area network, wide area network or other standardconnections. The address server 110 is communicably coupled to the callcenter station 114 via local area network, wide area network or theInternet. The call center station 114 can place a PSTN direct dial callto any emergency service as is required by the circumstances, such aspolice 118, fire 120, poison control 122, emergency medical service 124,or other entity.

The 911 IP software 116 monitors the IP enabled device 102, 104, 106 or108 for one or more emergency criteria, which may include entry of anemergency code, a 911 signal, a panic signal, an emergency activationbutton, a sensor alarm (e.g., collision, heat, smoke, vital signs, etc.)or an emergency condition specific signal (e.g., fire, police,ambulance, etc.). If the one or more emergency criteria are satisfied,the 911 IP software 116 obtains global positioning data (e.g., verticaland horizontal coordinates, a longitude, a latitude and an altitude forthe IP enabled device 102, 104, 106 or 108) from the GPS component andsends an emergency IP request to the address server 110 via the network(not shown). The emergency IP request is SIP request or similar messagecontaining the global positioning data.

Once the address server 110 receives the emergency IP request, theaddress server 110 obtains local emergency services data based on theglobal positioning data, dials the call center station 114 (e.g., anemergency services operator, etc.) based on the local emergency servicesdata and passes an emergency call from the IP enabled device 102, 104,106 or 108 to the call center station 114. The address server 110 mayalso provide a telephone number for one or more local emergency serviceproviders 118, 120, 122, 124 to the call center station 114 based on thelocal emergency services data. The local emergency service providers mayalso include an emergency call center, coast guard, military, federalagency or rescue unit. The address server 110 may also provide theglobal positioning data to the call center station 114.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a flowchart illustrating the 911 software 116(FIG. 1) process 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. The 911 software 116 (FIG. 1) 200 or emergency IPcomponent starts in block 202 and monitors the IP enabled device 102,104, 106 or 108 (FIG. 1) in block 204. Whenever one or more emergencycriteria are satisfied, such as the user enters an emergency code, a 911signal, a panic signal, an emergency activation button, a sensor alarm(e.g., collision, heat, smoke, vital signs, etc.) or an emergencycondition specific signal (e.g., fire, police, ambulance, etc.), asdetermined in decision block 206, the 911 software 116 (FIG. 1) imbedsthe global positioning data from the GPS into an emergency IP request orSIP request in block 208 and sends the SIP request to the address server110 (FIG. 1) in block 210. Thereafter, the process continues to monitorthe IP enabled device 102, 104, 106 or 108 (FIG. 1) in block 204 andrepeats the process as previously described. If, however, the user doesnot dial 911 or activate an emergency button, as determined in decisionblock 206, the 911 software 116 (FIG. 1) continues to monitor the IPenabled device 102, 104, 106 or 108 (FIG. 1) in block 204 and repeatsthe process as previously described. This method can be implemented as acomputer program embedded in a computer readable medium wherein thesteps are performed by one or more code segments.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart illustrating the address server 110(FIG. 1) process 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. The address server 110 (FIG. 1) process 300 startsin block 302 and receives an emergency IP request or SIP request from anIP enabled device 102, 104, 106 or 108 (FIG. 1) in block 304. The localemergency services data, such as one or more direct dial numbers, isthen obtained from the database 112 (FIG. 1) using data contained in theSIP request, such as the global positioning data, in block 306. Theaddress server 110 (FIG. 1) then dials a call center station 114(FIG. 1) based on the local emergency services data, which may be one ofthe local emergency service numbers or emergency services operator, inblock 308. The emergency call is then passed to the call center station114 (FIG. 1) in block 310 and ends in block 312. The address server 110(FIG. 1) may also provides a telephone number for one or more localemergency service providers 118, 120, 122, 124 (FIG. 1) to the callcenter station 114 (FIG. 1) based on the local emergency services data.In addition, the address server 110 (FIG. 1) may provide the globalpositioning data to the call center station 114 (FIG. 1). Note that theaddress server 110 (FIG. 1) may continue to monitor the emergency call.The call center station 114 (FIG. 1) then determines how to handle theemergency call and may route the call to the police 118 (FIG. 1), fire120 (FIG. 1), poison control 122 (FIG. 1), emergency medical service 124(FIG. 1) or other appropriate entity (e.g., coast guard, military,federal agency, rescue unit, etc.). This method can be implemented as acomputer program embedded in a computer readable medium wherein thesteps are performed by one or more code segments.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides softwareapplications that communicate with GPS hardware in communication with IPenabled equipment such that when the equipment is used to accessemergency services by entering 911 or pressing an emergency activationbutton, the software provides the means to determine the location of thecalling equipment to the respective emergency service center appropriateto the location of the emergency. More specifically, the softwaremonitors the VoIP software installed on the IP enabled equipment. When911 is entered, the software acquires the vertical and horizontalcoordinates (“V&H”) from the GPS hardware, overrides the installed VoIPsoftware to sends a SIP request to an address server which is alsomonitoring the Internet for these specific sessions. The address serveraccepts the SIP from the originating hardware, receives the V&H andaccesses a database that cross references emergency services direct dialnumbers with the V&H. The address server passes the voice call and theavailable direct dial numbers to a call center that handles emergencyvoice interface with the person who entered 911 at the originatingequipment. The call center operator chooses which emergency service todial after speaking with the person who has the emergency, or defaultsto the fire rescue number.

In other embodiments, the software monitors the VoIP software installedon the IP enabled equipment. When 911 is entered, the software acquiresthe vertical and horizontal coordinates from the GPS hardware withoutoverriding but interfacing with the installed VoIP software. A requestis then sent via a medium (such as an Internet Protocol medium, wirelessmedium, wireline medium, or a combination of such mediums) to a serverwhich receives the V&H and the related emergency services direct dialnumber(s). The address server passes the voice call and the availabledirect dial numbers to a call center that handles emergency voiceinterface with the person who entered 911 at the originating equipment.The call center operator chooses which emergency service to dial afterspeaking with the person who has the emergency, or defaults to the firerescue number.

In further embodiments, the voice call and the available direct dialnumbers can be directly sent to a call center and the communicationbetween an individual at the call center and the person who entered 911at the originating equipment can occur via mediums other than voice(such as text, icons, photos, multi-media information, and/or acombination of voice and these mediums).

Referring now to FIG. 4, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. In such a scenario variousdata that is available either in a machine at the originating site orstored at other data locations can be transmitted. Such data could begathered and sent from multiple sources. Such information could include,but is not limited to, directions to the emergency calling location,interior and/or exterior photos of the location; floor plans of thebuilding, medical history of known residents of the location or of theuser of the phone, etc. As it relates to the floor plans of thebuilding, the database of the present invention could include completebuilding drawings including an altitude of ground level (topography) andthe spacing of the floors such that the GPS data including altitude(topography) can be used to locate the precise floor of the emergency.The software of the present invention recognizes the monitored emergencysignal from the IP device. In addition to the proper routing of theemergency call in general, the software accesses designated data fromone or more databases (within the computer acting as the IP callingdevice, within the VoIP Gateway, or other locations) that has/have beendesignated to be transmitted with the emergency call including, forexample, the proper floor number of a multi floored building. Theautomatic routing of such data is transmitted in IP format to theemergency center.

Referring now to FIG. 5, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. In such a scenario variousdata that is available either in a machine at the originating site orstored at other data locations can be transmitted. Such data could begathered and sent from multiple sources. Such information could include,but is not limited to, references to other antenna, or any kind ofsensor (heat, fire, CO2, etc) in proximity to the IP device such as theGPS antenna itself, in building antenna, exterior antenna, blue toothantenna, CO2 sensing device, etc. Such information could then be sentalong the IP call path to the emergency center. This assists inpinpointing the device location particularly in a larger floor planbuilding, and or assisting the emergency personnel with knowledge thatthere are specific issues within proximity of the emergency. In additionto the proper routing of the emergency call in general, the softwareaccesses designated data from one or more databases (within the computeracting as the IP calling device, within the VoIP Gateway, or otherlocations) that has/have been designated to be transmitted with theemergency call including, for example, information related to theantenna signals, sensor signals, etc. The automatic routing of such datais transmitted in IP format to the emergency center.

Referring now to FIG. 6, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. In such a scenario, variousdata that is available either in a machine at the originating site orstored at other data locations, such as satellite databases, televisionbroadcast information, or 802.11 “hot spot” data, can be transmitted.Such data could be gathered and sent from multiple sources includingreferences to other proximity information relative to the IP device.This could employ triangulation capabilities from one or more sources.Such information could then be sent along the IP call path to theemergency center. This assists in pinpointing the device locationparticularly in a larger floor plan building. The software of thepresent invention recognizes the monitored emergency signal from the IPdevice. In addition to the proper routing of the emergency call ingeneral, the software accesses designated data from one or moredatabases (within the computer acting as the IP calling device, withinthe VoIP Gateway, or other locations) containing relational informationrelative to the aforementioned signals captured that has been designatedto be transmitted with the emergency call. The automatic routing of suchdata is transmitted in IP format to the emergency center.

Referring now to FIG. 7, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. For example, various datathat is available either in a machine at the originating site or storedat other data locations can be transmitted. Such data could be gatheredand sent from multiple sources including information relative to the IPdevice that might actually have been entered by the user (or other inputmethods) such as one or more of the following: a street address, a floornumber, an office number, a suite number, user needs, and other relatedinformation. Such information could then be sent along the IP call pathto the emergency center. This assists in pinpointing the devicelocation, particularly in a larger floor plan building. The software ofthe present invention recognizes the monitored emergency signal from theIP device. In addition to the proper routing of the emergency call ingeneral, the software accesses designated data from one or moredatabases (within the computer acting as the IP calling device, withinthe VoIP Gateway, or other locations) containing relational informationrelative to the aforementioned signal s captured that has beendesignated to be transmitted with the emergency call. The automaticrouting of such data is transmitted in IP format to the emergencycenter.

Referring now to FIG. 8, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. For example, various datathat is available either in a machine at the originating site or storedat other data locations, such as in an Interactive Voice Response (IVR)system, can be transmitted. Such data could be gathered and sent frommultiple sources including information relative to the IP device suchas: a user name, a call back number, medical information, a streetaddress, a floor number, an office number, a suite number, user needs,and other related information. A major concern in an emergency conditionis that the individual or individuals who are sending an emergencymessage may be totally incapacitated. As such, the information gatheredfrom various pertinent sources could be read to the emergency centerpersonnel in a text to speech form such as is generally available in theindustry and potentially found with IVR. In one embodiment, the IVR“listens” to the speech path of the originating emergency and if nothingis heard (speech/voice detection, for example) then the IVR systemplays, via text to speech, the pertinent/selected data relative to thisIP device. In another embodiment, an emergency agent can press adesignated key requesting the IVR “read” the text to speech in a speechformat. The software of the present invention recognizes the monitoredemergency signal from the IP device. In addition to the proper routingof the emergency call in general, the software accesses designated datafrom one or more databases (within the computer acting as the IP callingdevice, within the VoIP Gateway, or other locations) containingrelational information relative to the aforementioned signals capturedthat has been designated to be transmitted with the emergency call. Theautomatic routing of such data is transmitted in IP format to theemergency center.

Referring now to FIG. 9, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. Since the present inventionembodies Internet Protocol connections by definition, in contacting aPSAP or other emergency center, no human intervention is required inrouting to the proper emergency location. Utilizing a date derived byaccessing the GPS information and/or other possible data sources datasources, a database or databases can be accessed to complete thenecessary information to properly identify the originating emergencysite. This solution embodies input data as previously discussed andtransmits it to a database or databases which uses such information suchas: latitude, longitude, altitude, triangulation data, external antennadata, and user input. The database then compares a table or tables toidentify the precise location of the emergency and the proper emergencycenter (PSAP) and that center's telephone number (or IP address if IPenabled) from the data available. The software of the present inventionrecognizes the monitored emergency signal from the IP device, identifiesthe proper location to send the call and automatically sends the calleither via IP or other designated routes. The automatic routing of suchdata, including the additional information, is transmitted in IP formatto the emergency center.

Referring now to FIG. 10, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, a PSAP or other emergency center receives informationfrom an intermediary site—a VoIP provisioning center, and if this centeris IP equipped, emergency information beyond the normal data consideredas 911 relevant (location address and return telephone number) can besent. The software of the present invention recognizes the monitoredemergency signal from the IP device. A voice call is connected to a VoIPprovisioning center—either via IP or over traditional landlines, inaddition to the proper routing of the emergency call in general, thesoftware accesses designated data from one or more data bases (withinthe computer acting as the IP calling device, within the VOIP Gateway,or other databases) that has been designated to be transmitted with theemergency call. The VoIP provisioning center can act as an intermediaryto the proper emergency center and can “stay on the call” to assist.

Referring now to FIG. 11, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the IP device automatically mandates that the userupdate their emergency data, i.e. street address, return phone number,etc. If the user does not fill in the required fields, the device willnot be enabled for telephone calling or will only be enabled for verylimited types of calls (for example, 411 types of calls). The softwareof the present invention recognizes the monitored emergency signal fromthe IP device. The system queries the device for user entered data. Thedatabases are then used to locate the proper emergency center for thiscall. A call is then connected to the correct emergency center. Inaddition to the proper routing of the emergency call due to user inputin general, the software accesses designated data from one or more databases (within the computer acting as the IP calling device, within theVOIP Gateway, or other databases) that has been designated to betransmitted with the emergency call. This ensures that if the userenters incorrect data, the GPS originated information is still availablefor the emergency center.

Referring now to FIG. 12, when a PSAP or other emergency center iscontacted, if the center is IP equipped, information beyond the normaldata considered as 911 relevant (for example, location address andreturn telephone number) can be transmitted. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, a voice call is connected to the proper emergencycenter over a chosen route—either via IP or over traditional landlines.

In other embodiments, directions to the emergency calling location,aerial photos of the location; floor plans of the building, medicalhistory of individuals within a location, etc. As it relates to thefloor plans of the building, the database of the present invention couldinclude complete building drawings including known altitude of groundlevel (topography) and the spacing of the floors. As such, the GPS dataincluding altitude (topography) can be used to locate the precise floorof the emergency.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various modifications can be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a processor configuredto receive from a sensor a signal for emergency criteria correspondingto one or more of: a fire, a collision, heat, smoke, vital signs, carbonmonoxide, a police signal, an ambulance signal, an emergency medicalservice signal, or other emergency condition; a global positioning unitconfigured to provide global positioning data to said processor; adatabase accessible by said processor to cross reference at least oneemergency services provider via at least said global positioning data;and a communications unit configured to use an Internet Protocol toinitiate a transmission to contact said emergency services provider. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communications unit is furtherconfigured to send said emergency services provider said globalpositioning data.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecommunications unit is further configured to send said emergencyservices provider said emergency criteria.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the communications unit includes a microphone and speakerconfigured to enable voice communication with said emergency servicesprovider.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communications unitis further configured to detect a condition and utilize a defaultemergency services call center in response to the condition.
 6. A methodcomprising: receiving from a sensor a signal for emergency criteriacorresponding to one or more of: a fire, a collision, heat, smoke, vitalsigns, carbon monoxide, a police signal, an ambulance signal, anemergency medical service signal, or other emergency condition;accessing global positioning data; accessing a database to retrieve atleast one emergency services provider via at least said globalpositioning data; and communicating via an Internet Protocol to initiatea transmission to contact said emergency services provider.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the communicating includes sending saidglobal positioning data.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein thecommunicating includes sending said emergency criteria.
 9. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising providing voice communication with saidemergency services provider.
 10. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising: detecting, at an electronic device that includes the sensor,a condition; and contacting a default emergency services call center inresponse to the detecting.
 11. A computer-readable storage mediumconfigured with instructions that are executable by a processor toinitiate or perform: receiving from a sensor a signal for emergencycriteria corresponding to one or more of: a fire, a collision, heat,smoke, vital signs, carbon monoxide, a police signal, an ambulancesignal, an emergency medical service signal, or other emergencycondition; accessing global positioning data provided by a globalpositioning unit; accessing a database to locate at least one emergencyservices provider using at least said global positioning data; andutilizing an Internet Protocol to initiate a transmission to communicatewith said emergency services provider.
 12. The computer-readable storagemedium of claim 11, wherein the instructions are executable by theprocessor to initiate or perform: utilizing said Internet Protocol tosend said global positioning data to said emergency services provider.13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein theinstructions are executable by the processor to initiate or perform:utilizing said Internet Protocol to send said emergency criteria to saidemergency services provider.
 14. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 11, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor toinitiate or perform: enabling voice communication with said emergencyservices provider.
 15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11,wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to initiate orperform: utilizing said Internet Protocol to communicate with a defaultemergency services call center in response to said database beinginaccessible or in response to said database having no match for theglobal positioning data.
 16. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein thecondition includes one or both of said database being inaccessible andthe emergency services provider returned by the database not beingreachable.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communications unitis further configured to utilize a default emergency services callcenter in response to detecting, at an electronic device that includesthe processor, one or more of: said database having no match for theglobal positioning data or said global positioning data not beingretrievable.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the default emergencyservices call center is contacted by a communicating unit of theelectronic device in response to detecting, at the electronic device,one or more of: said database having no match for the global positioningdata or said global positioning data not being retrievable.
 19. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising contacting a default emergencyservices call center in response to one or both of said database beinginaccessible and the emergency services provider returned by thedatabase not being reachable.
 20. The computer-readable storage mediumof claim 11, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor toinitiate or perform: utilizing said Internet Protocol to communicatewith a default emergency services call center in response to said globalpositioning data not being retrievable or in response to the emergencyservices provider returned by the database not being reachable.